as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the explanation was so plausible that I never suspected it was all a con to make off with my car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in studies
to commit to memory
usually candidates con their entire campaign speech, right down to the jokes they supposedly ad-lib
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reviews
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)
seemed to be conning his face for any sign of uncertainty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hustles
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
a fly-by-night operator who had conned hundreds of would-be homeowners out of their hard-earned money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in tricks
to cause to believe what is untrue
tried to con me into thinking that he had actually won the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cons
Zach Dyer, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
The major cons are the heavy weight and huge base cost.
—Cameron Martindell, Outside, 3 Jan. 2026
Written by Simon Kinberg, the film is described as an unconventional heist flick about a bank guard, a teller and a master thief in a deadly game of cons and double crosses.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026
As local leaders weigh the pros and cons, some residents are fighting to feel heard — and heeded.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
The care team there was able to discuss the pros and cons of different PrEP regimens and knew how to navigate the formulary for Hurley's insurance.
—Zach Dyer, NPR, 22 Dec. 2025
Some machines have been repeatedly used for cons.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
Yet, for families going into debt over holiday spending or feeling extreme stress during this season, the pros can outweigh the cons.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
After the 2025 playoffs are over, there should be a better understanding whether the pros outweighed the cons with the new playoff brackets.
—Cecil Joyce, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
The care team there was able to discuss the pros and cons of different PrEP regimens and knew how to navigate the formulary for Hurley’s insurance.
—Zach Dyer, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
The major cons are the heavy weight and huge base cost.
—Cameron Martindell, Outside, 3 Jan. 2026
Written by Simon Kinberg, the film is described as an unconventional heist flick about a bank guard, a teller and a master thief in a deadly game of cons and double crosses.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026
As local leaders weigh the pros and cons, some residents are fighting to feel heard — and heeded.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
The care team there was able to discuss the pros and cons of different PrEP regimens and knew how to navigate the formulary for Hurley's insurance.
—Zach Dyer, NPR, 22 Dec. 2025
Some machines have been repeatedly used for cons.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
Yet, for families going into debt over holiday spending or feeling extreme stress during this season, the pros can outweigh the cons.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
After the 2025 playoffs are over, there should be a better understanding whether the pros outweighed the cons with the new playoff brackets.
—Cecil Joyce, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cons. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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